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2022-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1159263

THE ALEX GROUP

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

THE ALEX GROUP

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees J A Livesey
D Cain
S Walsh
T O'Kane
A Anderson
Mrs S Edwards
M Warren
A M Touhey (Appointed 18 January
2022)
J Holt
J Cain
Charity number 1159263
Principal address Rough Lee Home
Rough Lee Road
Accrington
Lancashire
BB5 2LR
Independent examiner PM+M Solutions for Business LLP
New Century House
Greenbank Technology Park
Challenge Way
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 5QB

THE ALEX GROUP

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Statement of cash flows 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 14

THE ALEX GROUP

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK published on 16th July 2014 (effective January 2015).

Objectives and activities

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

The principal objective of the charity is to provide 24-hour support to residents with physical disabilities. To this end, the charity has established a family type home. consisting of suitable residential accommodation available for life, or if appropriate, respite care, giving the residents such facilities as to enable them to engage in fruitful activities to enhance their individual potential.

Strategies for achieving objectives

The Trustees place great emphasis upon ensuring the accommodation provided is of such a quality as to make the residents feel they are at home living in a family environment whilst having all the necessary facilities to support their particular physical needs and receiving a high standard of care. A full programme of social and intellectual activities is provided to ensure the residents feel fulfilled and content.

We continue to seek to recruit members to the Trustee team who can add value and in addition seek suitable volunteers to support the team and residents.

The Trustees are continually committed to ensuring the highest level of regulatory compliance and work closely with the Home Manager to improve systems and procedures in this regard.

Achievements and performance

Charitable activities

The home is an active and vibrant facility for our disabled adult residents many of which have been in the home for many years. The philosophy is very much a home from home and our energies are directed at making it the best it can be and a stable and loving environment. Eight of the rooms now have en-suite facilities and both shared rooms have been adapted to individual bedrooms.

The Staff under the leadership of Andrea Buckley and her Deputy Wendy Hargreaves are qualified and experienced. The team ensure a secure and supportive care environment for our residents and we have achieved and maintained a "Good" Care Quality Commission rating in all five areas.

Fundraising activities

Due to the coronavirus pandemic no significant funding activities took place in the year ended 31 March 2022.

Investment performance

The investment policy of the charity is to invest the available funds to maximise the return to the charity while at the same time keeping the funds as safe and secure as possible. Interest received for the year was £368 (2021- £295).

Factors relevant to achieve objectives

The charity continues to be dependent upon the continued placing of residents in the home by the local authority and the Trustees and Management continue their efforts to seek fees which reflect the quality of care and the increasingly complex demands of residents.

The Trustees continue the tough task of balancing the books in a very challenging environment with an increasing cost base, an extremely tough regulatory and compliance regime and the ongoing need to invest in the Homes infrastructure.

Financial review

THE ALEX GROUP

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

The Trustees aim to maintain free reserves at current levels to provide financial protection in the increasingly uncertain commercial environment. It is also necessary to retain funds for the ongoing renovation, modernisation and improvement of facilities to ensure that the Charity can continue to provide excellent standards of care to the residents of the home. The potential under occupation which may occur as a result of the increasing time lag in filling resident vacancies continues to give cause for concern in that home expenses costs will continue to rise whilst income may remain relatively static. In view of these circumstances the Trustees feel that the current level of reserves is essential. Total reserves held at 31 March 2022, all unrestricted, amounted to £740,604 (2021£711,397).

General trustee and management plans

The long-term benefit of the residents and the long term future of Rough Lee Home are, and will be, the focus in all of our meetings.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a charitable incorporated organisation.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: J A Livesey

D Cain S Walsh T O'Kane A Anderson Mrs S Edwards M Warren Reverend S D Stamp (Retired 28 February 2022) A M Touhey (Appointed 18 January 2022) J Holt J Cain

The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust Deed. The charity is always ready to welcome new trustees who have the experience, empathy and knowledge of the charity and are willing to play an active role in promoting its success and development.

A council made up of appointed Trustees and elected members meet monthly to administer the charity. The chief executive officer during the year ended 31 March 2022, and on the date this report was approved, was James Livesey.

The Trustees take responsibility for ensuring that they have skills and knowledge required to fulfil their roles efficiently and effectively. Wherever appropriate they will be supported by encouragement, guidance and training.

The Trustee Committee holds regular meetings and annually reviews pay and remuneration fro staff including performance issues and review of the Home Manager and Deputy.

The Trustees regularly assess the major risks to which the charity is exposed, have reviewed those risks and established systems and procedures to manage those risks and are satisfied that the current systems in place mitigate exposure to the major risks albeit they are constantly under review.The primary risks identified are as follows:

  1. To ensure that the home remains financially sound and robust systems and procedures are in place to maintain strong financial control.

  2. To ensure that the home is fully compliant with all relevant legislation and provides the highest levels of care.

  3. 2 -

THE ALEX GROUP

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

James Anthony Livesey

.............................. J A Livesey Trustee 30/01/2023 Date: .............................................

THE ALEX GROUP

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ALEX GROUP

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Alex Group (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Paul Spencer FCCA The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants PM+M Solutions for Business LLP Chartered Accountants New Century House Greenbank Technology Park Challenge Way Blackburn Lancashire BB1 5QB 30/01/2023 Dated: .........................

THE ALEX GROUP

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2022 2021
Notes £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 2 43,897 50,103
Charitable activities 3 666,770 759,933
Other trading activities 4 6,129 6,181
Investments 5 368 295
Other income 6 3,850 -
Total income 721,014 816,512
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 7 - 15
Charitable activities 8 691,632 630,120
Other 12 175 229
Total expenditure 691,807 630,364
Net income for the year/
Net movement in funds 29,207 186,148
Fund balances at 1 April 2021 711,397 525,249
Fund balances at 31 March 2022 740,604 711,397

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE ALEX GROUP

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2022

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Current assets
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
15
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Unrestricted funds		 2022
£
34,232
363,364
397,596
(52,862)		 £
395,870
344,734
740,604
740,604
740,604		 2021
£
47,240
314,612
361,852
(64,630)		 £
414,175
297,222
711,397
711,397
711,397

30/01/2023 The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................

James Anthony Livesey

.............................. J A Livesey Trustee

THE ALEX GROUP

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
18
Investing activities
Investment income received
Net cash generated from investing
activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2022
£
368		 £
48,384
368
-
48,752
314,612
363,364		 2021
£
295		 £
220,548
295
-
220,843
93,769
314,612

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

1 Accounting policies

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

1.3 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Grants of a revenue nature are recognised in profit or loss in the same period as the related expenditure. Grants of a revenue nature for which there are no future performance-related conditions and costs are recognised as income in the period in which they become receivable.

1.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

1.5 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings 2% to 20% on cost Fixtures and fittings 20% on reducing balance Computers 20% on reducing balance Motor vehicles 20% on reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.6 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.7 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2022 2021
£ £
Donations and gifts 8,253 10,820
Grants 35,644 39,283
43,897 50,103
Grants receivable for core activities
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 3,891 39,283
Further Covid Grants Received 31,753 -
35,644 39,283

3 Charitable activities

Caring for Caring for
Residents Residents
2022 2021
£ £
Services provided under contract 659,437 739,672
Sales of services by beneficiaries (467) 12,461
Charitable rental income 7,800 7,800
666,770 759,933

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

4 Other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2022 2021
£ £
Fundraising events - 91
Letting and licensing arrangements 6,129 6,090
Other trading activities 6,129 6,181

5 Investments

6
7		 Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2022
2021
£
£
Interest receivable
368
295
Other income
Unrestricted
Total
funds
2022
2021
£
£
Other income
3,850
-
Raising funds
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2022
2021
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising events
-
15
-
15		 Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2022
2021
£
£
Interest receivable
368
295
Other income
Unrestricted
Total
funds
2022
2021
£
£
Other income
3,850
-
Raising funds
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2022
2021
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising events
-
15
-
15
15

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

8 Charitable activities

Caring for Caring for
residents residents
2022 2021
£ £
Staff costs 356,243 341,056
Depreciation and impairment 18,305 20,250
Equipment leasing 3,966 576
Rates and water 8,055 9,772
Insurance 12,092 10,744
Light and heat 27,268 25,110
Telephone 2,316 1,842
Print, postage, stationery and advertising 1,942 1,191
Sundries 6,728 11,119
Subscriptions 4,778 3,479
Food and household 53,652 52,413
Gardening 300 720
Staff training 6,042 1,753
Repairs and maintenance 60,583 38,011
Motor expenses 6,295 4,985
Computer costs 3,883 2,533
572,448 525,554
Share of support costs (see note 9) 94,522 87,137
Share of governance costs (see note 9) 24,662 17,429
691,632 630,120

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

9 Support costs

Staff costs
Bookkeeping fees
Independent examiner's
fee
Professional fees
Analysed between
Charitable activities		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
94,522
-
-
14,400
-
2,784
-
7,478
94,522
24,662
94,522
24,662		 2022
£
94,522
14,400
2,784
7,478
119,184
119,184		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
87,137
-
-
13,575
-
2,880
-
974
87,137
17,429
87,137
17,429		 2021
£
87,137
13,575
2,880
974
104,566
104,566

Governance costs includes payments to the independent examiners of £2,784 (2021- £2,880) for examination fees.

10 Trustees

None of the trustees or any persons connected with them received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Total
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2022
Number
-
2022
£
418,509
27,887
4,369
450,765		 2021
Number
-
2021
£
396,942
27,116
4,135
428,193

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

12 Other

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2022 2021
Financing costs 175 229
175 229
13 Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land Fixtures and Computers Motor vehicles Total
and buildings fittings
£ £ £ £ £
Cost
At 1 April 2021 683,867 122,525 3,907 46,485 856,784
At 31 March 2022 683,867 122,525 3,907 46,485 856,784
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2021 285,886 109,757 1,737 24,979 422,359
Depreciation charged in the year 23,768 4,596 782 9,409 38,555
At 31 March 2022 309,654 114,353 2,519 34,388 460,914
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2022 374,213 8,172 1,388 12,097 395,870
At 31 March 2021 386,097 10,213 1,736 16,129 414,175
14 Debtors
2022 2021
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Other debtors 25,410 36,107
Prepayments and accrued income 8,822 11,133
34,232 47,240

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2022
£
7,745
11,911
890
32,316
52,862		 2021
£
9,193
17,621
1,881
35,935
64,630

16 Retirement benefit schemes

Defined contribution schemes

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

The charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £4,369 (2021 - £4,135).

17 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2021 - none).

18
Cash generated from operations
Surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Cash generated from operations		 2022
£
29,207
(368)
18,305
13,008
(11,768)
48,384		 2021
£
186,147
(295)
20,250
(3,752)
18,198
220,548

19 Analysis of changes in net funds The charity had no debt during the year.